In the event that your Steelers Nation citizens card lapsed or you were simply under a rock, the Pittsburgh Steelers began the 2013 NFL Draft by taking Georgia Bulldog Jarvis Jones with the 17th pick. Jones was a two year starter and an outside linebacker for the Bulldogs although there is speculation that the Steelers may use him inside.
- Jones is known for his non-stop motor and aggressiveness.
While the Steelers need to shore up both their talent base and depth at linebacker, the pick also comes with some trepidation.
The Steelers do have a strong tradition at outside linebacker, but since switching to the 3-4 in 1982 their stud outside linebackers have been late round picks such as Greg Lloyd (6th, 1987), Jason Gildon (4th 1994), and Joey Porter (3rd 1999). Of course there is always the case of James Harrison, who was one of Kevin Colbert’s prize undrafted rookie free agents.
In fact, the last time the Steelers tried to draft an outside linebacker in the first round they used their pick on Huey Richardson in 1991. He was so bad that Bill Cowher and Tom Donahoe traded Richardson to the Redskins after only one year for only an 8th round pick.
Jones fate will be determined on the football field, but his highlight reel makes it easy to see why the Steelers were so impressed with him (available as of 4/27/13):
- Keep this in mind.
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